The Election Commission of India has revealed the timetable for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections to fill 24 seats that will become vacant due to members’ retirement in June and July 2026. The tenure of 24 Rajya Sabha members from 10 states is ending during this period. Notifications for the elections will be issued on June 1, with the last date for filing nominations set for June 8. Scrutiny of nominations will occur on June 9, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 11.
Polling for the elections is scheduled for June 18, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the vote counting commencing at 5 p.m. on the same day. The entire election process is expected to conclude by June 20. Only specific violet-colored sketch pens provided by the Returning Officer will be allowed for marking preferences on ballot papers during the voting process. The Election Commission emphasized the implementation of measures to ensure fair elections, including appointing observers to closely monitor the process.
The upcoming elections will cover seats from Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Mizoram. Notable leaders whose terms are ending include Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh, H.D. Deve Gowda, Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka, and the late Shibu Soren’s seat from Jharkhand, vacant since August 4, 2025. Other retiring members include Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla, Pilli Subhaschandra Bose, Rambhai Harjibhai Mokariya, George Kurian, Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, Wanweiroy Kharlukhi, Neeraj Dangi, Rajendra Gehlot, Nabam Rebia, Iranna Kadadi, and K. Vanlalvena.
The Rajya Sabha, known as the Council of States, serves as the Upper House of Parliament, with members elected by elected representatives of states and union territories through proportional representation.
